Services & Obituaries

Dr. James Adam Bain, a distinguished anesthesiologist and family man, sadly and unexpectedly passed away on April 29, 2024, at the age of 89.  Father, Grandfather, friend, brother and husband, Jim was born on July 6, 1934, in Listowel, Ontario, the beloved son of Jack and Ella Bain.

Just days before his passing, Jim was enjoying his regular round of golf with his friends, a testament to his enduring vitality and zest for life. He is survived by his brother John, his sister Barb, his wife Halina, his former wife Valerie, his children Adam (Michelle), Laura (Mark), Kyle, and Jason (Sarah), his adored grandchildren, Alex, Taylor, Johanna, Richard, James, Kennedy, Drew, and Katelin as well as an uncle to his many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his sisters Lois and Agnes.

Jim’s journey in medicine began with his graduation from the UWO School of Medicine in 1959.  Anesthesiology quickly became his passion, and over the span of his 45-year career, he served as a mentor, colleague, and teacher to many aspiring medical professionals.  In 1973, Jim’s dedication to the study of anesthesiology and patient care led to the invention of the Bain Breathing Circuit, a revolutionary device that has been in use in operating rooms worldwide ever since.

Despite his many professional achievements, Jim was incredibly humble and down to earth. His infectious sense of humor and quick wit endeared him to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Whether at the Hunt Club with his friends, among his fellow Harvey Club members, or surrounded by his cherished family, Jim’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of countless individuals.

Jim’s passions extended beyond medicine; he also had a strong love of equestrian riding, contemporary art, and modern architecture.  Despite his success in the medical field, he often joked that he should have pursued a career as an architect.  This passion culminated in his design of a mid-century family home that was built in 1967.  A connoisseur of inexpensive (cheap) wine, Jim found joy in life’s simple pleasures, but his greatest happiness came from hosting the family gatherings at the farm where many lasting memories were created.

Dr. Jim Bain lived a full life.  While his accomplishments were many, it was his remarkable modesty and genuine kindness that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the life of a man whose humility and warmth touched the lives of countless individuals. Rest in peace, Dad, knowing that we all shared a lot of laughs we just wish we could have shared a few more.

A private family internment will be held with a celebration of life to follow at a future date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GAISBAUER, Konrad

Peacefully at Earls Court Village, London on Sunday, April 28, 2024, Konrad passed away in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Wilma Gaisbauer (2010). Dear father of Harold Vogel and his wife Gladys of London, Cheryl McLeod and her husband Ken of London, Sandra Gilbert and her husband Alan of Lucan and Rebecca Chabassol and the late Len of Windsor. Predeceased by his daughter Wendy Melanson and his son in law Neri. Konrad was loved and will be deeply missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date at The New Apostolic Church where Konrad was a long-time member. Konrad will be laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. The family would like to thank the staff of Earls Court Village for the kind, compassionate and warm care he received. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WRIGHT, Dorothy June…

Dorothy June Wright, born February 13, 1925, of London, Ontario died peacefully in her sleep in her 100th year on April 30, 2024. Predeceased by her loving husband George Henry Wright (1993). She will be sorely missed by her brother Ron Stinchcombe (Jayne), sister Dian Pringle, and sister-in-law Eleanore Stinchcombe. She will also be fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews as well as Bev and Hugh Palser who loved and cared for her as an extended member of their family.

Dorothy maintained a positive “keep looking up” attitude throughout her entire life. She always found beauty in the world around her and captured it, using one of her many talents, as an artist. Her canvas and china paintings will be treasured. Dorothy was a longstanding member of Byron United Church where she was a faithful part of the meat pie making group and always looked forward to her after church fellowship luncheons. She was an avid animal lover who also enjoyed playing Bridge and entertaining her many friends. As a 70-year resident of Byron, Dorothy was fortunate to have amazing and watchful neighbours: Nancy Leingang, Jeff Corfield, and Manfred Meissner. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Thank you to Dr. Hooper and staff of the Ivey Institute, St. Joseph Hospital London, Ontario and to Dr. Mario Elia for many years of excellent care. Also, thank you to the staff at People Care Oak Crossing for the exceptional care shown to Dorothy as a resident there in her final years.

There will be no funeral. Cremation and interment have taken place. If so desired, donations may be made to your local humane society or Byron United Church.  Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MATHEWS, Charlene…

Charlene Mathews passed away peacefully with her family by her side at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital at the age of 51. Charlene was the loving and cherished mom of KJ, Aliah and Khloe. Beloved daughter of Simone and the late Joseph Sharrow. Dear sister of Warren Sharrow.

Charlene worked in the medical field throughout her career, ending at Victoria Hospital in London. She took great passion in the work she did and truly enjoyed the time spent with her many wonderful colleagues. She had a love for the beach, specifically Port Stanley. Charlene had an adventurous spirit and loved going on fun day trips. Her family was her everything, and she was a superb mother. Charlene was truly an angel on earth and will be missed by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Charlene’s life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Chessman, Rosa ‘Jeanette’

Passed away peacefully at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Strathroy on Friday, April 26, 2024, Jeanette Chessman of Ipperwash Beach in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Chessman for 51 years. Predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Louise Hamilton and sister Lola Zigar, daughter Judy (1976), grandson Jay (2019). Dear mother of Jon L. Chessman (Fernanda) of San Miguel Mexico, Joel B. Chessman (Cheryl) of Little River, Nova Scotia and Christine L. Chessman of London, Ontario. Loving grandmother to 5 grandchildren, Laura, Julie, Judy and James. Loving great grandma to 8 great grandchildren, Jade, Emily, Mason, Sarah, Alexa, Carson, Jaelyn, Alyxandria. Loving great-great grandmother of 3, Tyler, Charlotte and Olivia. Dear aunt to Craig & Chyleen Tomalty of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sister in law to Gerald Chessman of London, Ontario. Dear cousin of Wayne and Wendy McRoberts. The family is thankful for her two special angels Marg Abbey & the late Gail McCann (2023). Many thanks as well to PSW’s, VON and Watford Quality Care. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm. Interment in Woodland, Cemetery As expression of sympathy, in memory of Jeanette donations may be made to the Dialysis Unit through London Health Sciences Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society (Sarnia). Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SOLGA, Rosalinde “Linda”…

Linda Solga passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, the morning of April 24th, 2024 in her 87th year. Loving wife of the late Rolf Dieter Solga (2023). Linda will be dearly missed by her daughter Kim Solga of Hamilton. Beloved sister of Vera, Waldimar, Helga, Monika and Zigmar. Loved daughter of Meta and Erich Kopp. Linda will also be missed by her dear family friend Jarret Hardie.

Linda’s vibrant spirit, cherished by all who knew her, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of her loved ones. An esteemed gardener, both indoors and out, she cultivated beauty wherever she went, earning accolades for her green thumb and nurturing touch. Above all, Linda’s devotion to her family was unwavering, her love binding them together in an unbreakable bond. Though she may have bid farewell to this earthly garden, her legacy of love and laughter will forever bloom in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Linda may be made to Humane Society London & Middlesex. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. There will be a private celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JEFFERY, June

Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Friday, April 19, 2024, June passed away at the age of 85. Beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Jeffery (2005). Dear mother of Terry Jeffery and his wife Sue of Strathroy, Brenda Duggan and her husband Sean of Belmont, and Tammy Jeffery-Larder and her husband Rob of Embro. Loving grandmother of Crystal and Jennifer (Ryan), Shelby (Quintin) Grandine, Shannon (Curtis) Fortin and Tara (Shane) Duggan. Great-grandmother of Trent, Harper, Myles, Maelyn, Felix, Lachlan, and Elliott. Dear sister of Lucille and Roy. Predeceased by her siblings Janet, Linda, John, and Harry. June will be missed by her dear friend Jack Dickins.
June was a dedicated Red Hat Society member. June was a breast cancer survivor. The family would like to thank the staff at Metcalfe Gardens for welcoming her during her short stay and the staff at University Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.
Friends and family are welcome for visitation from 2:00- 3:30 pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will take place in the chapel at 3:30 pm. Private family interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KEDDY, Eva…

Peacefully in her sleep at Victoria Hospital, London, Eva Helen Keddy passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Bob Keddy (1985). Loving mother of John Keddy of Toronto and Lori-Ann Keddy of London and mother-in-law of Ingrid Keddy. Predeceased by her son Jay Keddy and her baby daughter Susan Keddy. Cherished grandmother of Allastair, Katharina (Matt), Robert, Rebecca (Kaje), Rachael (Jacob), Jeremiah and Cassidy and great-grandmother of Arjen. Dear sister of Jim Dempster (the late Lydia). Also missed by her nephews David and Mark and their families.

Eva was known for her music in ministry. She enjoyed teaching piano to both children and youth and played at her church throughout her life. She was the music director for the children’s choir at Wortley Baptist Church and later a dedicated member of the Sweet Adelines group in London. She established great relationships through participating in Ladies Day at the YMCA/Boys’ and Girls’ Club and volunteering with the London Orchestra.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Eva, donations made to Compassion Canada, 985 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N6E 4A3 would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KELLY, Anna Marie

Anna Marie Kelly peacefully reposed in the Lord on April 18, 2024 surrounded by her sons, Holy icons and candlelight.

Born in Temiscaming, Quebec on August 15, 1962 – the Kelly family moved to Windsor Ontario where Anna received her degree in Nursing following the profession of her mother and sisters.

She then lived in London, Ontario nursing many patients with love in the Critical Care Trauma Centre at LHSC.

No words can truly describe Anna’s beautiful soul.

Anna raised 4 children in North London with her husband at the time George Georgopoulos.  She excelled in her culinary cooking, gardening and creative artistic skills, though foremost the role of a full time mother was her greatest joy.

With her boys they spent memorable times in the wilderness and lakes in Northern Ontario where she taught her sons to explore nature, build campfires and trust in God’s Holy Will.

Anna is survived by her three sons Robert (Yanina), James & Justin Georgopoulos and step-daughter Trinati Georgopoulos. She was a loving grandmother to Leo, Anna, Tao and Tula.  Anna was a devoted aunt to many of her nieces and nephews who loved her deeply. Her gracious soul touched the lives of many people who came in to her life – even in her last days on earth.

Anna is survived by her mother Mary Margaret, brothers Michael, Matthew, Tim, Patrick and sister Erin Briggs.  Predeceased by her father Orville and sisters Janet Kurt (Lyle) and Katherine Kelly.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday April 23, 2024 from 3-5pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home , 60 Ridout St S, London, Ontario followed by a Requiem Service being held at 6pm at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, 140 Fairview Ave London, Ontario, a visitation will follow.  The funeral service will take place at 10am Wednesday April 24, 2024 at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church followed by burial at Woodland Cemetery, London.

Anna stated that she wished everybody could read Art of Salvation by Elder Ephraim. In lieu of flowers please feel free to order this beautiful piece of writing from St Anthonys Monastery : https://stanthonysmonastery.org/products/the-art-of-salvation . Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Barbara Anne…

It is with mixed emotions we wish to announce Barbara Anne Johnson passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on April 15th, 2024, in her 80th year. Sad, we have lost an adored sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Joyful she has been freed from a body which no longer served her needs and has been reunited with her beloved husband Eric Johnson (2021) and several furry companions. Barb will be missed by her sister Jean Blackman, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, cousins and friends from coast to coast.

Born in London, Ontario, the daughter of the late William and Agnes Buck, Barb had a long and successful career as an insurance broker. She and Eric loved to travel on weekends either by car or motorcycle. Later they enjoyed their time at the trailer in Prince Edward County. Barb was the family home decorating expert having assisted Eric in renovating their many homes. Her warm heart and talent for desserts made her the favourite aunt. Barb was also an accomplished pianist and often volunteered to play at the Village of Glendale Crossing where her sister Gerry (2011) was a resident.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and guests are invited to visitation on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, from 2-3pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will follow at 3pm in the funeral home chapel. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Barb may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com